THE HIGH L

SENSE OF COMMUNITY AT BERKELEY’S HIGHWOOD VILLAGE

It is more than a decade since construction began at Highwood in Horsham.

At the time, Highwood was one of several developments contributing to existing residents’ fears for the future. With new houses also going up on the opposite side of the A24 at Wickhurst Green site and at Kilnwood Vale near Holmbush, was Horsham changing for the better or worse? Could the market town cope with added pressures on infrastructure? Would the strategic gap to Crawley eventually disappear?

The growing likelihood of land to the north of Horsham also being developed did little to quell such concerns, as housing and Local Plan stories dominated local news headlines for several years. The north Horsham site did, of course, get the green light, with the development now known as Mowbray, which includes the new Bohunt Horsham School.

In recent years, the focus of the news headlines has shifted to other sites that may be developed, most notably at Buck Barn, Adversane and Southwater. Meanwhile at Highwood, a thriving community has developed. The high-quality, Colonial-style built by Berkeley may have offered something new and exciting to prospective buyers, but it’s the development’s design and layout that has promoted a sense of wellbeing and togetherness amongst residents.

During the early phase of development, it was The Square that commanded attention and generated positive publicity. Inspired by the public gardens of Victorian London, The Square is surrounded by town houses, with a beautiful sculpture of a mare and foal by Marcus Cornish as its centrepiece. Berkeley also utilised Highwood’s idyllic setting, utilising woodland, ancient trees and the popular Riverside Walk to create tranquil walkways and green spaces for residents and nature. By closing the entrance to Hills Farm Lane to vehicles and reducing traffic, Highwood not only encouraged walking and cycling into town, but also became a quiet, safe place for families.

Some 700 properties have now been completed on the development, compromising homes from one-bedroom apartments (some of which are built around stunning water-features that include fountains and even goldfish!) to five-bedroom houses. Construction on the second half of the estate in the southerly section of the land, known as Highwood Village, is underway. The latest phase is expected to be completed in the early part of 2024, with two further phases to come. The entire Highwood development of about 1,100 homes is expected to be finished by spring 2027.

Highwood Village incorporates many aspects that proved a success during Highwood’s early phases. Taking a lead from The Square, local sculptor Jon Edgar has created a public art installation to provide a focal point to the new Landmark Square. The artist encouraged the local community to get involved in the design of the eight-tonne piece of stone, teaching basic carving skills and allowing others to contribute to the finished piece. The sculpture includes references to local landmarks.

Outdoor spaces in Highwood Village include manicured gardens on the green, as well as riverside walks and meadows. A wildlife corridor and picturesque grasslands provide habitat for wildlife, while an on-site allotment has been allocated via Horsham District Council. New cycle ways and footpaths further encourage people to travel on foot or by bike, whilst the site offers easy access to the A24, ideal for those commuting to Gatwick or London

Plans for a community centre and day-care nursery have been approved, although the site already has some community facilities in place. Perhaps the most notable is the BMX track, opened in 2019. The off-road cycling circuit has proven to be popular with people of all ages, both from the estate and further afield, although parking restrictions have ensured the development has kept the streets clear.

The latest phase of housing includes a selection of two-bedroom apartments at Dereham Court. The architecture is inspired by the local Sussex vernacular, while sleek interiors feature stylish open-plan kitchens, with quality finishes and layouts that make the most of space and light.

Another recent phase is Willowstead, a range of three and four-bedroom homes. The interior design is inspired by simplicity and quality, with a soft palette of natural materials. The kitchens have a heritage twist, combining shaker-style cabinets with open shelving and handle-less cupboards. As with other homes at Highwood Village, they benefit from EV charging points and high-speed broadband connectivity.

Ben Annetts, Sales and Marketing Director, said: ‘At Berkeley, we go beyond just building homes. Within each of our developments there is a key focus on place-making, building a community and creating a good quality of life for all those who choose to live there. This is why features such as play areas, the BMX track and village square are so important to deliver, as they add great value for the residents.’

‘I’ve had the pleasure of seeing all the milestones Highwood has achieved since it first began 10 years ago, and it has been incredible to witness the sense of community that has evolved in that time. Testament to the success of the development is the fact that many residents are choosing to move within the development, as well as encouraging family and friends to join them.’

Further information:

Prices of homes within the current phase at Highwood Village start from £345,000 for a two-bedroom apartment and £445,00 for a three-bedroom house. For further information, contact the sales suite on (01403) 886 449 or visit highwoodvillage.co.uk

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